SUMMER OF HATE 2014 - ALL OUT WAR

New York heavy hitters ALL OUT WAR will finally be playing SUMMER OF HATE in Cleveland in 2014. SOH will go down @ the venues NOW THAT'S CLASS on FRIDAY, JUNE 27th and GROG SHOP on SATURDAY JUNE 28th with  AOW playing the Saturday show. Those who have attended the show in the past know what to expect: brutality. Year after year this fest claims to be the hardest/most dangerous show in America... AOW playing will only amplify this.

Rest of lineup, tickets, and more to be announced late winter 2014.

VHS CONQUEST

  

Being in my 30s I can remember, very fondly, when the Video Store was a magical place which only had VHS tapes. I spent countless hours watching movies rented from every video store in a 10 mile radius and what I watched more than anything else was HORROR MOVIES. Horror movies spoke to me since childhood when I fell in love with Godzilla and then whatever other movies I got to see on Cable or Network TV (mainly on Saturday afternoons, but USA's SATURDAY NIGHTMARES was where I got to see the most and best stuff every week) and then when I was finally lucky enough to get a VCR (a neighbor gave us their old VCR, it had a remote on a cable) I was able to finally watch the movies I loved uncut and without commercial interruption and was no longer limited to only what programmers gave me to watch. This began my life long love of Horror on VHS.

    I can remember the first movie I rented: RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD PART 2. It was my favorite and seeing all the stuff TV cut out was really great to a 3rd grader! There were certain movies I rented over and over... EVIL DEAD, EVIL DEAD 2, DAWN OF THE DEAD... those were rented more times than I can even begin to count. Later I began buying movies... which at that time was expensive! A lot of tapes were $30 or so new... bargain tapes were cheaper but had lower quality prints. Also, most movies were out of print... Evil Dead was out of print until I was in high school... and obtaining a copy of out of print movies was nearly impossible so if you were lucky you either found a bootlegged copy (usually a 2nd or 3rd generation print that looked awful... I can remember splitting buying a Cannibal Holocaust bootleg for $40 with my friend Rob and having to drive an hour and a half just to do so) or had to steal said tape from a video store (which we did often) because the convenience of Ebay didn't exist yet to be able to find virtually any tape within seconds.

    Every video store was different and had different movies. Some movies were the stuff of legend and if your local stores didn't have it seeing it was next to impossible. The covers jumped off the shelves with fantastic, often graphic artwork and pictures. As a kid, the more outrageous or graphic the cover, the more i wanted to watch, but my dad was a barrier to this until i was old enough to get my OWN video card and then it was on! I waited so long to finally be able to get my own video card and on that day I was finally able to rent the grossest, sickest looking movies that had previously been forbidden to me and what a sweet day that was! I never understood the Big Boxes until later... I didn't get why those old movies had bigger boxes and could have never fathomed that they would be so desirable today, but we had a saying about the Big Box.... and i was "if the movie has a big Box... you're in trouble!" because usually those movies were graphic or really stunk... either was desirable. The WIZARD VIDEO and PARAGON boxes to me were the most memorable.

Remote w cable from 1st VCR

    I cannot end the section on Video Store nostalgia without mentioning the greatest video store of all time: ANTHONY COCCA'S VIDEO LAND. In the Youngstown area no place could beat it. Their horror selection was top notch. They had every Wizard release and virtually every movie that now can be found on the "most desirable/most expensive" VHS lists. They had SPINE, SPLATTER FARM, LUNCHMEAT, DEMON QUEEN... they had 'em all and much, much more to boot! At the time when they went out of business I recall going there to buy tapes for $5 each... Spine and many other big $$$ tapes were movies I passed on (because it sucks as a film) and I kick myself everyday because now it is so highly desirable! But I woulda probably just sold it anyhow because I don't really see the value in movies I don't even care or enjoy to watch.

    VHS gave way to DVD. A lot of movies that were out of print were sold at rock bottom prices when video stores made the DVD transition. this was a golden time to get many of those rare movies you had rented countless times. We would fill the trunks of our cars going to such sales. This was the great, short lived era of VHS CONQUEST where anything and everything you ever wanted was FINALLY available to own. I recall going to a Hollywood Video once I caught wind that they were selling off all VHS and GALAXY OF TERROR was the gem I wanted... I knew they had it as I had rented it there numerous times. I got there and it was gone! I was so pissed! I wonder to this day who the hell bought that... it wasn't any of my friends so I have no idea who else in my town wanted that movie as badly as me. A few years after that great era most video stores went out of business all together with the rise of Netflix, Redbox, etc and here we are today with a new generation rediscovering VHS.

    Everyone has their favorite eras and genres of movies. Some people like early Universal stuff, some 70's, some Euro, slasher, monsters, vampires, sleaze, action, martial arts, etc. I personally like a large array of genres and have my own opinions as to what is the best and what was crap as does everyone out there. Personally I liked the mid to late 80s through early 90s as this was the period which was current and relevant to me. I liked Early 90's and still do and I consider the era of the 80s to have spilled into the 90s and consider it the final golden era until the horror industry kind of collapsed for quite a while until being revived with movies like SAW, HOSTEL, etc many years later. Companies like FULL MOON, NEW HORIZONS, VIDMARK, etc put out great releases like CARNOSAUR, BASKET CASE 2, and DEAD ALIVE (the movie which i use as the measuring stick as to the end of the great era of horror on VHS as I consider it to be the final truly great/important movie of the VHS era) as well as some awesome major studio releases like GRAVEYARD SHIFT, POPCORN, BODY PARTS that still hit theaters but were overlooked at the time. I remember anxiously waiting for these movies to come to my video store.

My #1 most rented tape

    I only recently became aware of the boom of VHS collecting. Many classic movies have even been re-released or bootlegged and some tapes sell for hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on Ebay... I don't really know much about this and have little interest in this aspect of collecting but to younger people and those who just enjoy it for just whatever reason I at the very least think its cool that in the year 2013 VHS is still alive. I have always had an interest in thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, etc and this is where the majority of my movies have always been obtained. Do I buy movies on DVD? Yes, of course and I enjoy the movies just the same and the picture quality is of course superior. But VHS to me is still desirable for a few reasons: first and foremost, the nostalgia and the fact that I never gave up on VHS and always still watched my old tapes and obtained new ones via my love of and the second big reason is the prices. I am not rich by ANY means and see this as just a hobby so buying tapes for 25 cents to $1 each rules since I am unable to have an expensive hobby. My rule is pay no more than $5 for a tape. I know many people pay $50 a pop for bootlegged re-releases and even more for originals on Ebay and to me that's fine if you got the bread to spend on it but i find the actual hunt and effort that goes into finding gems at flea markets or 2nd hand outlets more satisfying personally. Finding a pile of tapes and digging through them all is one of my favorite things to do.... sometimes I find nothing and sometimes I find gems. The hunt is always fun regardless if I find treasure, trash, or nothing at all... the conquest continues!

   I have seen many gems come and go. When I fall upon hard times I have sold my entire collection multiple times over the years and have rebuilt it multiple times. Some tapes I will never obtain again but the memory of watching said movie to me is more valuable than the physical copy sitting on my shelf because I rented so many movies and was never able to own them back then so that knowledge or memory was all you had of that movie once you returned it to the video store. That still sticks with me today. I made many friends over the years who shared a love for horror and VHS. It was something that an alienated kid found and it allowed me to escape into another world. For all of these reasons I still love horror and VHS.

It's been a long time!

It's been a LONG time since I have posted/updated anything. I plan on doing some stuff w/ this blog again in the near future. Hard Ass Records no longer exists (as if it really ever did) and I won't be posting releases or anything anymore. I plan on doing some opinion type stuff, interviews, and (lots) more horror stuff. The title of the blog will probably change to HARD-ASS REALITY in re near future. I just haven't had the time like I used to.

More stuff coming soon!

SUMMER OF HATE 2012 TICKETS + INFO

SUMMER OF HATE 2012 "WORLDWIDE APOCALYPSE" Sat July 14th @ Peabody's
2045 East 21st St, Cleveland, OH 44115

THERE WILL BE WALK-UP TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR FOR SATURDAY!!!!

FEATURING:
SHATTERED REALM, DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR, RINGWORM. MERAUDER, NASTY (Europe), SUBURBAN SCUM, NUMB (Japan), CLENCHED FIST, WORLD OF PAIN, SAND (Japan), PALEHORSE, LIFELESS, 10 OF SWORDS, LIFE AFTER DEATH, COPYKILL (europe), CDC, COLD EXISTENCE, PSYCHO ENHANCER

Tickets: $26 adv/$30 at the door (there WILL be walk-up tickets at the door for the Saturday show!!!) Doors @ 2pm

OR buy tix for Summer Of Hate AND the July 13th SOH Kickoff show Tix for $35 (save $5!)

- SUMMER OF HATE KICKOFF SHOW -
!!!!! FRIDAY IS SOLD OUT !!!!!

Friday, July 13th @ Pirate's Cove (Small room in Peabody's)

CROWD DETERRENT, TASTE THE STEEL, STRENGTH FOR A REASON, ENEMYMIND, COLD REIGN, and ETERNAL SLEEP

Doors @ 7:30pm
PEABODY'S - 2045 East 21st St, Cleveland, OH 44115
_________________________________________

TICKET OPTIONS

Advance Tickets can  be purchased  online through TICKET WEB  via the link below. Tickets will be available in person up till the day before the show. You can get them starting the last week in April @ the PEABODY'S BOX OFFICE, at DEFIANCE TATTOOS in Kent, and more locations TBA soon. We will also announce via the SOH facebook which shows we will be attending in the region so you will know what upcoming shows tix will be available at.

CLICK HERE FOR SUMMER OF HATE TICKETS VIA TICKET WEB

GENERAL SHOW INFO

- The show is ALL AGES, and there is no charge for under 21 patrons like Peabody's usually has. 21+ patrons can drink w/ ID. There is re-entry for 21+ only

- There will be hot dogs and burgers and possibly other food on the patio for a reasonable price

- The ticket prices include SALES TAX (unless you buy via ticketweb, then the tax will be added) so there will be no surprises at the door.
- This show is extremely rowdy, if you cannot handle a violent environment, this show may not be for you.
- There are many reasonable hotels nearby. If you wnat to stay cheap, call the UNIVSERSITY HOTEL and say "PEABODY'S" to get a $65 room rate. Or put in the Peabody's address at Hotels.com or similar sites and you will find some decent hotels within walking distance.

- Doors @ 2pm, 1st band @ 2:40pm. get there on time/early so you can get inside and avoid the long line!

SEE YOU JULY 14th!Ticket Web

LIFE AFTER DEATH - 2011 DEMO

LIFE AFTER DEATH is a new band from Northwest Indiana. This is rough and rugged straight up hardcore. Angry, brash, and violent, this band impressed highly as the surprise guest at Summer of Hate 2011. Looking forward to seeing great things from this band in the future... if they come to your neck of the woods don't sleep, they won't disappoint live! Download this 4 track Digital MP3 release or free via the link below:

Download LIFE AFTER DEATH 2011 DEMO free by clicking here!

LIFE AFTER DEATH - 2011 DEMO
1. Intro
2. Respect Is Collected
3. Wasted Years
4. Street Mother

THE FINAL BEATDOWN?

    I was told via e-mail from Kevin of Bulldoze that "Summer of hate will be the last show ever for Bulldoze". While this is sad news, we are honored that this legendary band will be doing this at SOH. Over the years we have had many bands that play "beatdown"style hardcore play at SOH... in fact, that is mainly the style of music we have had play the show since it was started half a decade ago so we are thrilled to have the masters of Beatdown play the show! 

Now, the only question that remains is who will survive the set? And what will be left of them???

Buy your tickets at the Pay pal link at the top right of this page, or click here to buy them via TICKET WEB, or get them in person at any Defiance Tattoos location. FEEL THE HATE!!!!

SUMMER OF HATE - MOSH OLYMPICS EVENTS

Below are the OFFICIAL SUMMER OF HATE 2011 MOSH OLYMPICS EVENTS explained in detail. Some events will be judged throughout the entire show... other events will take place over the period of just one song of a selected band's set. All events will be governed by official SOH JUDGES and GOLD, SILVER, and BRONZE medals will be awarded to those who are chosen the winners. Also, the winners will also be given other prizes! What will the prizes be? Cash? Merch? Gift Certificates? You'll have to wait and see! There will be 7 EVENTS total:

EVENT#1: HARDEST MOSH

DURATION: 1 song during BULLDOZE'S set
What better event for one of the hardest  and most respected bands of all time? This one is pretty easy to figure out. The people who display the most barbaric and brutal acts of mosh will win medals. BE WARNED: those who take cheap-shots at people standing on the outside/sides of the mosh-zone will hurt their consideration for medals, so punching the 90lb girl w/ glasses standing near the pit won't get you anywhere. However, contact w/ other moshers is encouraged! Anyone who moshes during the selected song will be considered by the judges. Go hard and go for eternal glory!

EVENT #2: KING OF THE PUSH

DURATION: 1 song during CROWD DETERRENT'S set
The old-fashioned push-mosh will be the only form of mosh considered. Keep those legs on the ground, karate kicks won't win this one! Those who manage to push the most people on the ground will receive higher consideration from the judges.

EVENT #3: FREESTYLE STAGE DIVE

DURATION: 1 song during WISDOM IN CHAIN's set
(This event may or may require pre-registration) Only those who dive w/ reckless abandon/no regard for their personal safety will take home a medal! Arial acrobatics are a must. Use the trampoline for added points!

EVENT #4: FREESTYLE MOSH

DURATION: The entire show
This category will be judged in many different areas: Recklessness, Style, Innovation, Quantity, and Brutality or mosh. Only those who's mosh leaves a lasting impression will be considered for medals.

EVENT #5: THIRTY AND UP (THE MASTER'S DIVISION)

DURATION:  during COLD AS LIFE'S set

(proof of age will be required) Old Men aged 30 + will show their skills on the dancefloor and show all the youngsters a thing or 2!!!! Of course, everyone regardless of age can still mosh/participate, just those over the age of 30 can win a medal.  It is time for you youngsters to prove yourselves as well and hang with the big dogs!!u young

EVENT #6:  THE IRONMAN

DURATION: BITTER END'S entire set
(this event may require pre-registration) This one is for those with excellent cardio! The rules are as follows: participants begin moshing as soon as Bitter End strikes the 1st note of their 1st song and do not stop (not even in between songs!). Those who stop moshing at any time are eliminated. You must keep moving and engaging in acts of mosh (determinations will be made by the judges). Of course, those who do not wish to participate in the event are more than welcome to mosh, dive, and sing. You may hassle the participants in any way you wish! Just as long as they don't stop moshing, anything goes!!!

EVENT #7: KING OF THE HILL

DURATION: 1 song during TASTE THE STEEL'S Set
A square (made of duct tape, probably 8ft x 8ft) will be placed in the center of the dancefloor. Spend the most time occupying said space and you win! Judges will watch closely, and decide who they feel occupied the designated space for the longest amount of time. Any acts of mosh may be used to occupy the space or displace someone else. Please, do not participate in this event if you cannot handle being SEVERELY moshed repeatedly and not take it personally.

As for the medals, here is what they will look like:

A panel of judges will be selected and will govern the events. ALL of their decisions will be final. There will be an odd number of Judges to avoid ties and disagreements and they will do their very best to be unbiased in their choosing of Champions. A Ceremony will be held at the end of the show and medals will be given to the winners. The bands will pick which song they want to have the event during and said event will be announced prior to said song/period of duration by SOH Masters Of Ceremonies. 

WHO WILL ELEVATE THEMSELVES TO ETERNAL MOSH GLORY??? FIND OUT JULY 9th!!!!!

SUMMER OF HATE 2011 TICKETS & FINAL LINEUP!

    As of June 27th we are done selling tickets via the Pay Pal method, you may still buy tix via the TICKET WEB option (described below) or at the Door/Day of Show. If you bought tix via the Pay Pal/Snail mail method, alll tickets will be mailed out by Tuesday June 28th.

SUMMER OF HATE 2011

"THE MOSH OLYMPICS"

Saturday, July 9th @ Peabody's

2083 East 21st St, Cleveland OH

BULLDOZE, COLD AS LIFE, WISDOM IN CHAINS, STOUT, BITTER END, SUBURBAN SCUM, CROWD DETERRENT, COLIN OF ARABIA, HARM'S WAY, DEEP ROOTED HATE, PALEHORSE, TASTE THE STEEL, LIFELESS, 10 OF SWORDS, HOMEWRECKER, COLD EXISTENCE, LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, DOMESTIC WAR

TICKETS $22.00 in Advance, $26.00 Day Of Show, Doors & Opening Ceremony @ 3pm Sharp. All Ages.

THERE ARE MULTIPLE OPTIONS FOR TICKETS: 

 - There are online tickets you may buy from TICKET WEB at the link below (they charge a service fee and Sales Tax is included)

- Tickets will be available at the door for $26 (this price includes State Sales Tax of 8% and there is no service fee... venues in OH have been hassled by the State lately for Sales Tax money because they are scraping for $$$)

- You may also buy tickets @ PEABODY'S Box Office or from any DEFIANCE TATTOOS LOCATION with no extra service charges

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE TICKETS VIA TICKET WEB

__________________________________________________________________
Here's some more general info that may answer any questions you may have:

- There will be 2 stages and no 2 bands will play at the same time 100%

- We do not have control over the ticket provider or the fact that Sales tax must be included in the ticket price. This is one of the only things we could not control in regards to the show since the venue has a contract that all shows go through the same ticket provider. Any service charges and fees the ticket provider charges for pre-sale tickets are out of our hands. The door/day of show price will not have a service charge, nor will tickets bought @ Peabody's Box office.

- There will be re-entry for 21+ only

- 21+ Drink w/ ID

- There will be food (burgers, dogs, etc) on the patio for a reasonable price

- There will NOT be an extra charge at the door for under-21 (Peabody's usually does this, but for this show there will not be any such extra charge for those under 21 years of age)

- The price of the show has increased this year but the promoters will STILL not make a dime off the show regardless of the turnout. ALL monies will be paid to the bands and venue and cover costs. If there is money in excess of the budget, bands will be paid more than what they were promised. Out ultimate goal is to pay the bands above and beyond what was promised... don't you want the bands you came to see get well taken care of? We do! Also, many of the bands this year are coming from places like Texas, Chicago, Boston, and other areas of the East Coast and gas is a major factor for the bands that have to travel to play for you.

We hope that everyone will have a great time this year! We tried our best to bring a good mix of the hardest legends and newer bands. Since we don't make one thin dime off doing the show, the only reason we do it every year is to provide the bands and people who attend with the most enjoyable show possible. Lots of people helped us to book the show this year... thanks to everyone who helped us get this far. FEEL THE HATE!!!!!!!

4/20/11 TEN TO MIDNIGHT

    Be here April 20th @ Ten To Midnight (11:50pm) for a final lineup announcement for SUMMER OF HATE 2011. At that time pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase as well.. This 4/20 even people who are straight edge will have reason to celebrate! See you then!

ULTIMO BEATDOWN "WAR OF THE COLOSSAL BEAST" EP

4 Tracks of angry hardcore featuring themes of mental illness, alien Gods, and Toho monster movies. In the vein of early Blood For Blood, Cold As Life, Sheer Terror and misc hardcore. Much better quality than the War of The Gargantuas EP from years ago. Members of Crowd Deterrent.

Click here to Download ULTIMO BEATDOWN "WAR OF THE COLOSSAL BEAST" free!

TRACK LISTING:

1. Hands Of The Creator
2. Personality Disorder
3. Mothra's Plea
4. Feelings

Enjoy!